Anathemas (plural of anathema) refers to things or people that are intensely disliked or detested. It often implies a formal curse by a religious authority, severing a person from the church and consigning them to damnation, but it is more generally used to describe anything profoundly abhorrent or offensive to a particular person or group. The term carries a strong emotional weight, suggesting utter rejection, disgust, and condemnation. anathemas can be objects, ideas, practices, or individuals considered morally reprehensible, heretical, or otherwise unacceptable within a specific context. They represent a point of strong disagreement or aversion and are often treated as something to be avoided or actively opposed. The intensity of anathemas underscores the profound nature of the negative feelings associated with them.
Anathemas meaning with examples
- For the conservative group, modern art and its perceived lack of traditional beauty were considered anathemas, representing a decay of cultural values. They launched campaigns denouncing these artistic trends and calling for a return to classical forms, viewing them as a threat to their aesthetic sensibilities and moral foundations.
- The politician's stance on social issues was considered anathemas by the progressive voters, who saw his views as outdated and discriminatory. Their passionate opposition and organized protests revealed the deep divide and the intensity of their disapproval for his policies, labeling him as an enemy of equality.
- Processed foods, with their artificial ingredients and lack of nutritional value, became anathemas to the health-conscious individuals. They avoided them entirely, preferring organic, whole foods. They viewed these highly processed items as poison to their bodies, spreading awareness among their communities of the supposed dangers.
- Within the scientific community, pseudoscience and unsubstantiated claims are often treated as anathemas. Scientists rigorously demand evidence-based reasoning. Publications and presentations are scrutinized for flaws to ensure the integrity of the scientific method and the advancement of reliable knowledge, rejecting claims unsupported by data or rigorous investigation.
- During the revolutionary period, the former monarchy and its symbols were anathemas to the revolutionaries. The overthrown rulers represented oppression and injustice, leading to the destruction of the monarch's monuments, which in turn showed the complete rejection of the old order and the embracing of the new one.